We are continuing to look at what it means to be a partaker of Christ. This relationship begins, for us, with the Holy Spirit calling us through the Gospel. We are given a promise which includes instructions and warnings. The Gospel tells us to believe on Christ, to repent of our sins, to call on Christ, confessing our sins, confessing our sinfulness, and confessing our faith that Christ's blood is the only way to be forgiven and cleansed. The Gospel calls us to follow Christ. See John 3:16; 5:24; 6:35; 8:12, 23-32; 10:27-30; 11:25-26; 14:1-6; Acts 3:18-19; 4:12; 10:43; 16:29-31; 17:30-31; Romans 3:19-26; 10:9-13.
There is a general call, when men are sent to preach the Gospel to all men (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 10:42-43; 17:30). There is also an effectual call of God's Spirit that directly goes to certain people that God is giving faith and spiritual life (John 5:25; 6:37, 44-45, 63; John 10:2-4; Acts 16:14; II Thessalonians 2:14). See Revelation 22:17.
Romans 8:28-39 tells us many things. Let's highlight a few of those things:
- The true lovers of God, in Jesus Christ, are "The Called." (Romans 8:28)
- Those whom God called were predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:29-30)
- God decided that those He called would be justified and glorified. (Romans 8:29-30)
- God's choice and God's call result in a relationship that, through Christ, makes us partakers of God's grace, now and for all eternity. (Romans 8:31-39 cp. Ephesians 1:3-12; II Timothy 1:9; I Peter 1:2-5)
In keeping with our theme, "Partakers of Christ," let's see how we share the Gospel in common with all believers / with all followers of Christ.
- We are partakers (sharers) of the heavenly calling.
See Hebrews 3:1 cp. Romans 1:1-7; I Corinthians 1:1-9, 26-31; Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 3:14. The Greek words for "call" / "called" / "calling" refer to "a call / an invitation to an appointment / position / vocation", "a calling to embrace salvation in the kingdom of God."
- We are partakers (sharers) of His promise in Christ by the Gospel
See Ephesians 3:6 cp. Acts 2:39 (cp. Joel 2:32); I John 2:19-26 (note vs. 25).
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